For most people, going out to eat or visiting a friend’s house is a pleasurable activity. But for those with ulcerative colitis, the need to learn ahead of time where the bathrooms are located, or the fear of not reaching on time, can turn simple pleasures into anxiety-filled events. All this stresses the patient.

What is ulcerative colitis :-

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). In patients of this problem, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon.It is an intermittent disease, with periods of exacerbated symptoms, and periods that are relatively symptom-free.

UC closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease (CD). Together, they are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Causes

1. Faulty immune system : When the intestinal immune system does not function properly, many white blood cells accumulate in the inner lining (mucosa) of the gut. The white cells then release chemicals that lead to tissue injury (inflammation). 2. Diet : Certain foods items are known to trigger UC or ulcerative colitis like junk food, dairy products and so on.3. Infections : Studies suggest that certain bacterial and viral infections like CMV (cytomegalo virus) are known to trigger UC 4. Drugs : Recent research shows that certain drugs like antibiotics, aspirin, contraceptive pills, NSAID’s are known to flare up UC.5. Stress and ulcerative colitis - Mind plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy or diseased condition of the body. When someone is under stress, the body gears up for a fight-or-flight response by secreting certain hormones, including adrenalin, as well as molecules called cytokines. They stimulate the immune system, which triggers inflammation. In people whose ulcerative colitis is in remission, this sets the stage for the return of their symptoms, known as a flare-up.

Symptoms

Three classic symptoms are:

• Persistent or recurrent diarrhea : This diarrhea is often bloody or full of mucus. • Abdominal pain : Abdominal pain is often crampy in nature and most intense immediately before a bowel movement.• Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite.

How to diagnose

• The best way of diagnosing ulcerative colitis is with colonoscopy, a procedure in which a camera on the end of a long flexible tube is passed through the anus and into the colon and then traverses the entire colon.

Complications

• Perforation of the intestines and inflammation of the abdominal cavity• Malnutrition• Involvement of the joints, eyes, skin• Colon cancer: The risk for development of colon cancer increases after 10 years of ulcerative colitis. Regular colonoscopy and biopsy is necessary.

Homeopathy treatment

Homeopathy is an elaborate and very detailed medical science based upon the principle of stimulating the body to heal itself .especially in the early stages of the condition. The goals in treating are to eliminate symptoms, prevent flare-ups (maintain long-term remission) and restore the quality of life.Homeopathy treatment for ulcerative colitis is based on the concept of immuno-correction. Homoeopathic constitutional treatment will reinforce the immune system by escalating the number of specialized white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that are vital in the body's defense against certain bacteria and fungi, assisting in making antibodies, and facilitating in the recognition and rejection of foreign tissues.Medicines work as a powerful anti-inflammatory agents which will help in reducing the symptoms .This way homeopathy will help the patients gradually reduce the various steroidal and immunosuppressive drugs which they have been taking for a long time. Homeopathic medicines also help in slowing down the progress of the disease and the development of complications.

Living with ulcerative colitis :-

• Bleeding caused by UC can lead into iron deficiency, hence Iron supplementation is needed.• Probiotics :- consists of bacteria may be needed which are found in yogurt and specified supplements• Stay hydrated :- Chronic diarrhea can lead into dehydration , hence maintain adequate water intake .• Reduce stress :- As stress can trigger the condition avoid as much as possible .